Hello! Thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter. I am honored to serve the 36th Senate District and look forward to working with you toward a better future for Michigan!

This e-newsletter serves to keep you updated on what is happening in Lansing and what I am doing as your state senator. I hope that you will find this e-newsletter helpful, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Or if you are in Lansing, please feel free to stop by my office at 920 Farnum Building.

Jim Stamas
State Senator
36th District of Michigan

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Expansion of job training program

It's a win for the Michigan economy when students can get training for skilled jobs and employers can get the qualified workers they need.

I recently supported Senate legislation that expands a statewide program where community colleges provide training for new jobs and graduates receive a competitive wage when they enter the workforce. The Michigan New Jobs Training Program helps job providers collaborate with community colleges to create targeted training programs that eliminate the skills gap. Since it was created in 2008, the program has produced nearly 12,000 new jobs.

Senate Bills 69-71 have been sent to the Michigan House for consideration. For more information, please visit the legislative website at www.legislature.mi.gov.

Veteran-friendly employer program

Skills acquired in the military are often hard to translate into a civilian resume. In addition, many employers are unaware of the value veterans can add to the companies that hire them.

That's why the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is recognizing organizations that are committed to recruiting, training and retaining top veteran talent. The Certified Veteran-Friendly Employer program helps connect veterans with employers who understand the value of their military training and discipline, so that more veterans can find a rewarding civilian career.

Since the end of 2010, Michigan has added more private sector jobs than any other state in the Midwest! The gain of nearly 400,000 private sector jobs, including 105,000 in manufacturing, means the state trails only California, Texas, Florida and New York in job growth.

In other good news, the state unemployment rate fell to 5.6% in March - the lowest in 14 years! The decline represents a full two-point drop from March 2014.

Renew your boat registration online

With spring on its way, it's never been easier to renew your watercraft registration! Visit www.ExpressSOS.com to renew. All that's required is the boat's registration number. In 2014, more than 47,000 watercraft renewals were submitted online. Boat owners can also renew by mail or at a secretary of state branch office.

Michigan boasts nearly 900,000 registered watercraft. Registrations are issued for three years and expire on March 31 of the third year.

Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists!

The nicer weather is finally here, and more people are out and about. So please look twice for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Prepare for weather emergencies

After a long winter, there's nothing like a Michigan spring! Yet weather this time of year can bring thunderstorms, lightning and high winds along with warm temperatures. Severe Weather Awareness Week, recognized this year from April 12-18 in Michigan, reminds us to prepare for inclement weather.

From easy-to-catch panfish to mighty musky and everything in between, Michigan offers a great fishing experience. Before you plan your next trip, consult the 2015 Michigan Fishing Guide for rules, regulations, license information and more.

Bill protects rights of active-duty military parents
Our servicemen and women shouldn't have to worry about retaining their custody rights while serving our country overseas.

I recently supported legislation to make sure that active military parents are not punished for not appearing in court over custody disputes while serving overseas. Senate Bill 9 would mandate that-unless the best interests of the child are being violated-the court shall not modify the current custody order if one of the parties has filed a motion of stay under the federal Service members Civil Relief Act.

The legislation was introduced after a Michigan judge held a service member in contempt of court and ordered his arrest after failing to appear in court for a custody hearing, even though he was on duty aboard a submarine in the Pacific Ocean!

The legislation awaits consideration in the Michigan House.

There's an app for that!Looking to avoid a traffic jam? Want to get in touch with your legislator? Find helpful information fast on your smartphone!

A free app for iPhones and Android phones provides pictures and contact information for all members of the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, including links to their web sites. The Citizens Guide to the Michigan Legislature also contains committee listings (including meeting times and contact information) and the ability to look up your Senator/Representative based on your address.

For motorists, the Mi Drive traffic app offers up-to-date information on construction, traffic incidents and other factors that can affect travel. The site displays real-time traffic camera views, speeds on major routes, work zones and more. The free app is available on iOS and Android devices; search the app store for MDOT or Mi Drive. The address for both the desktop and mobile versions of the website is www.michigan.gov/drive.

LOCAL NEWS

AJ Hamilton met state Rep. Triston Cole and me on the Senate floor this week!

It was a great turnout at the Midland Friends of Scouting Leadership Luncheon at Great Hall Banquet Center. Magic Johnson was the keynote speaker!

March was Reading Month. I visited St. Brigid in Midland - it was a fun time!

I had office hours in Harrisville on March 30. From there I met with local government officials and toured the Northern Precision Plant. It was a great day in Northern Michigan! To find out when my next office hours will be in your community, please visit my webpage: www.SenatorJimStamas.com.

I started my day on March 23 in Iosco County on the radio with Kevin Allen, then met with business owners, read a story to the students at Clara Bolen Elementary and met with Wurtsmith Airport officials and St. Joseph Health representatives.

It was a great experience going on a Volunteer Ride-Along with the Gladwin Council on Aging. Meals on Wheels is a wonderful program that helps many seniors get the food they need. For more information about the Council on Aging Serving Gladwin County, please go to www.americantowns.com/mi/gladwin/photos/meals-on-wheels.